Kathryn Haywood brings her latest show, Magic and Sex to the Brighton Fringe next month. It follows her critically acclaimed Yoga and Sex … for women over 40. It then makes various stops on tour.
Where: Half a Camel – The Caxton Arms
When: 31 May, 1 Jun
Ticket link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/magic-sex-work-in-progress/
“In her brand new show, Magic & Sex, Kath has decided to delve into the art of illusion and become a fully-fledged magician. She will astound with her command of a deck of cards, she will baffle with her feats of mentalism, she will confuse with what she keeps under her hat. She can read your mind before you can say Hey Presto, and produce the two of clubs before you can say Abra-Kath-Dabra!
Trust me, you’ve never seen magic done quite like this and chances are you never will again. Come and see the hottest new conjuror on the block and leave with your head spinning and your stomach churning. But in a good way…probably could have worded that better.
Oh… and sex.”
Kathryn tells us more about the new show, and her foray into the mysterious world of magic.
You have a new show out, Magic and Sex. So is this the long awaited sequel to Yoga and Sex …?
It’s funny you should say that, because originally it was going to be a sequel to Yoga & Sex…for women (over 40) – telling the story of how the character ditched the yoga mat and has now taken up magic. But now it’s a completely separate show so you won’t miss anything if you didn’t see the first one.
You’re at Brighton and Camden Fringes this year. Do you enjoy being part of these festivals, and what’s the best thing about them?
I’m doing my WIPs at Brighton Fringe and then the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival in Droitwich Spa in May and June. These will be the very first times performing the new show and using my newly acquired magic skills with an audience. These festivals are a safe and friendly space to try things out and not worry too much if things don’t quite go to plan and end up being funny for all the wrong reasons!
I’ve then given myself a month or so to rework, rewrite or practise anything that might need changing and then I’m setting off on a tour to Greater Manchester Fringe, Birmingham, Bristol and then ending with a three show run at The Camden Fringe at the beginning of August. After that I’ll be ready to take on the world!
You’re really invested in magic for the new show. Was it easy to get the tricks right, and do you now have a favourite illusion?
Firstly, thank you for not assuming that the joke in Magic & Sex is that my character is bad at magic! It’s funny how many people have assumed that. It’s so much fun (but also really hard work!) learning the tricks and finding out some of the secrets of magic.
As for my favourite, pick a card, any card…
What’s sex got to do with it …?
Pervert!
(That would be telling, you’ll have to come to the show and see)
Why do you think we still engage with magicians even though we know we are being tricked? Is there anyone you particularly admire?
I love magic now much more than I did when I was a kid because even if you know how a trick is performed, you can still appreciate the skill and technique required to perform it. If I can’t see how a trick is performed, I won’t rest until I find out!
In general I think people engage with magicians because of that sense of wonder and the delight in being amazed by something that seems impossible.
I’m a huge Derren Brown fan but if you asked my character who she admired she would say Marti Pellow.
Your shows usually involve some audience participation. What should people expect this time around?
Like any magic show, the audience will be involved to some extent. I do tend to talk to the audience quite a lot in my shows, it’s one of my favourite things to do. However, people can rest easy – I’ll only be asking you to pick a card, shout out suggestions or give me your phone number.
UPCOMING MAGIC & SEX SHOWSÂ
Brighton Fringe – The Caxton Arms – May 31st and June 1st
Rik Mayall Comedy Festival – June 7th
Greater Manchester Fringe – July 13th
Birmingham – Old Joint Stock – July 14th
Bristol – Alma Tavern – July 29th
Camden Fringe – Rosemary Branch – Aug 4th, 5th & 6th
All shows (once on sale) are listed here: https://linktr.ee/magicandsex